Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

ICADBS402A

This version first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Review database architecture to plan backup and recovery

1.1 Examine architecture  of database  file system

1.2 Determine most appropriate methods for backup  and recovery

1.3 Identify and examine likely or possible risk and failure scenarios

1.4 Prepare a backup maintenance schedule

1.5 Prepare a contingency plan

2. Determine backup methods appropriate to database requirements

2.1 Evaluate range of backup and restoration methods based on organisational and security standards  and on the assessment of likely or possible failure scenarios

2.2 Complete full off-line backups according to organisational and security standards with minimal down time

2.3 Complete online file backups as determined by organisational and security standards and with minimal down time

2.4 Employ disk mirroring and redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) hard disk configurations to keep copies of files

2.5 Arrange off-site copies of backup files

3. Establish recovery points and disaster-recovery procedures

3.1 Determine database recovery points based on the backup arrangements according to organisational guidelines 

3.2 Test the restore process to ensure that the database can be restored to a given recovery point, with minimal down time

3.3 Complete the restoration of the database to the point of failure, without loss of committed transactions

4. Create and deploy standby database

4.1 Create or set up a standby database to meet organisational guidelines

4.2 Implement standby database to support critical business functions

4.3 Prepare documentation  for standby database

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• determine the most appropriate methods for backup  and recovery
• implement backup and restore procedures with minimum disruption to the business, following contingency plan if necessary.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• documentation standards
• backup and recovery policies
• sites with a representative range of current industry standard software and diagnostic tools
• database package with data
• technical records
• organisational guidelines
• vendor documentation
• server and networked personal computer on which to conduct backup and restore procedures
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• modified equipment for people with special needs.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct observation of candidate performing backup and restore procedures
• review of candidate’s documentation containing:

• planning
• backup schedule
• contingency plan

• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:

• backup and restore techniques and procedures
• risks and failure scenarios that are likely or possible.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Architecture  may include:

• configuration:

• large memory model
• requests per second
• small memory model

• database software:

• DB2
• Informix
• Ingres
• Microsoft SQL (MS SQL) server
• Mini SQL (mSQL)
• MySQL
• Oracle
• Sybase

• operating system:

• Linux
• Mac
• multi-user ability
• Windows 2000 or above
• Novell NetWare 5 or above.

Database  may include:

• commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) database packages
• object-relational databases
• proprietary databases
• relational databases.

Backup  may include:

• DVD or CD backup
• more comprehensive and complex backup facilities across the network or the internet
• multiple tape units
• single tape units.

Standards  may include:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Australian Standards (AS) standards
• organisational standards
• project standards.

Organisational guidelines  may include:

• communication methods
• content of emails
• dispute resolution
• document procedures and templates
• downloading information and accessing particular websites
• financial control mechanisms
• opening mail with attachments
• personal use of emails and internet access
• virus risk.

Documentation  may include:

• audit trails
• client training
• ISO, IEC and AS standards
• maintaining equipment inventory
• naming standards
• project management templates and report writing
• satisfaction reports
• version control.